With the 2011 college football season in the rear view mirror, here are ten important important off-season questions and answers with Ken Goe from the Oregonian.
Q: What really kept Chip Kelly at Oregon? Why did he really stay?
A: I’m thinking when it came down to the nitty-gritty negotiating, Chip found out he wasn’t going to have the control that he has at Oregon, and he thought he needed to be successful in the NFL.
Q: How would this loss of Kelly affect the team with players transferring out and recruiting?
A: Short-term it would have had an impact, especially if the Ducks brought in somebody like Chris Petersen, who would have changed the offense. Long-term, I’m not sure it would matter a whole lot. I think the Ducks would have hired well, and would still have the same advantages in facilities and in their relationship with Phil Knight and Nike.
Q: How are the Ducks and Beavers fairing in the off-season so far? Particularly recruiting?
A: Hard to know for sure. I’ll wait until people are signed, and really, until I see them on the field.
Q: What should fans expect from OSU, UO in 2012? What role will the newcomers be in the depth chart and who to expect instant impact from?
A: I think the Ducks are pretty set for next season, assuming Bryan Bennett picks up where he left off at QB. He is the complete package — arm strength, athleticism, speed, savvy. Kenjon Barner is a decent replacement for LaMichael James. I don’t see any irreplaceable losses on defense. The young receivers who redshirted this year, could be instant-impact guys, if they can block and learn the system. I’m not as familiar with Oregon State. Clearly, the Beavers need help on defense and on the O-Line.
Q: Why does Oregon play such a weak non-conference schedule in 2012?
A: I don’t think Oregon has any interest in a killer nonconference schedule. I think the Ducks would like to play one, really good nonconference opponent. But they would want to do that as part of a home-and-home series. It’s hard to find really good opponents who want to play in Autzen, even if they get a return game. It’s too small, too hard to get to, and the risk of losing is too great.
Q: What are OSU and UO’s plans at QB in 2012? Will the young guys get time and have an impact at that position?
A: I think Bryan Bennett will start at QB for Oregon, although people in the know like freshman Marcus Mariota. OSU is set with freshman Sean Mannion.
Q: What is college football going to be like with all the changes in re-alignment and rivalries lost? Culture of the new game?
A: Good question. My hope is that the changes lead to a playoff. I think we’re headed that direction. The prevailing culture of the game is a little sleazy and money-driven. I don’t know if that can be changed unless people stop watching.
Q: What 5 teams are top 5 contenders to watch for in 2012?
A: My focus is more narrowly on the Pac-12. I like Oregon and USC for sure. It will be interesting to watch Washington, and to see what comes of the makeover on the Huskies’ coaching staff, and to see if Stanford can sustain what Jim Harbaugh put together. There are a lot of new coaches in the conference, which will make next season fascinating.
Q: Who will go in the NFL Draft from Oregon and Oregon State? Was it a good choice for Darron Thomas to go pro? How does that affect the QB position at Oregon?
A: I think LaMichael James and Eddie Pleasant will be drafted, and possibly Mark Asper. Not sure how many other others will be picked. Darron Thomas will be in somebody’s camp, but I’m not sure he will be drafted. I think the odds are against him making an NFL roster. He might be a better fit for the CFL. I think Bryan Bennett has better skills than Thomas did. It remains to be seen if he has the same intangibles.
Q: What are the keys to winning seasons and what are the media expectations for OSU and UO in 2012?
A: Oregon State has to play better defense, and the Beavers have to find a consistent running attack. The Ducks have to replace Darron Thomas and LaMichael James, and reconfigure the O-Line.
Q: How long has Ken Goe known Ronnie Hill?
A: I’ve known Ronnie since he was dominant Little League pitcher, who also swung a pretty good bat.
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